Because not every SS has the problem (and not every Strat or Strat copy), it is obviously NOT the design of the pickup cavity. Plastic and low humidity with minimal grounding/shielding. Solution: More humidity. More shielding/grounding. Less unsupported theories.
Sorry to say this but no, lack of wood has nothing to do with static noise. @rugerpc summed it up perfectly.
No, the unfinished pickup cavity and minimal shielding were a purposeful design choice. Mayer talks about it in his long video and Shawn posted some pics in this thread saying much the same. If they are working on changing anything to address the spuratic cases of static, they have not announced anything.
Dude, I really hate to break it to you, but obviously you are wrong here. Really? Is that so? (Picture was taken from a JM discussion board). Doesn't look that way to me, does it? What you were falsely claiming the Silver Sky has, is the notorious "swimming pool route" which Fender did in the seventies. And it actually looks like this: Don't you think, that the difference is obvious?
No I didn't meant the 'swimming pool'. But you are right there is more wood to the neck and middle pickup than I had in mind. But it's still an obvious difference to a 'standard' strat. I still have the plastic protection on my pickguard but it starts to roll off at the edge. Did anybody experience a difference with the protection on/off regarding the static noise? What's the best way to get rid of the plastic? Thanx
Peel it off and then use the dryer sheet on the pickguard and neck. Maybe try with another dryer sheet or even brand just to make sure. Also, stay away as much as possible from things that generate a lot of statics (e.g. wearing socks on a carpet). Good luck!
I saw a Tungsten one on Reverb today at no markup. So I wrote the seller a message saying, "I'm not in the market yet but I just wanted to give you props for not asking for $3k." He enjoyed that.
There is a considerable cavity beneath the guard compared to vintage Strat routing, but I don't think it's a factor in the static. I've had two Strats with the swimming pool (still have one) and I have never had static issues. Other people have reported the issue on Strats, Teles, SGs, anything with a large pickguard. I was poking around on other forums a little for solutions. Looked like fully shielding the back of the guard was a common solution and, interestingly enough, just lining the back of the guard with a dryer sheet and putting it back on seemed to work too!
I've installed this kit on every 'California' made guitar I've ever had...it fixes problems...whether or not you might think your SS needs it, then that's up to you... http://www.stewmac.com/Pickups_and_Electronics/Shielding/Self-adhesive_Shielding_Kit.html
